New Delhi: In what is expected to be a historic event for Indian motorsport, India will soon make its debut on the MotoGP schedule. It is the culmination of years of work to bring prestigious international racing back to Buddh International Circuit, which last held a major competition of this caliber in 2013 with the F1 Indian GP.

The circuit has considered hosting a significant two-wheeler series before. Midway through the 2010s, there were plans to host a World Superbike Championship round, but those were abandoned after numerous postponements. However, sincere efforts are being made by all parties to make the India MotoGP race a success.

Speaking last year, Carlos Ezpeleta, managing director of Dorna Sports, said it was "no-brainer" for MotoGP to visit this location given that India is the biggest two-wheeler market in the world. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government is strongly encouraging the event's smooth execution. Government officials have stated that the Grand Prix will significantly boost the local economy and solidly establish India as a racing powerhouse.

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Is MotoGP track ready?

It was never going to be easy to finish everything in time because the plans for the race were only confirmed late last year and track construction had just begun. However, co-founder of Fairstreet Sports and event coordinator Amit Sandill is adamant that everything is proceeding as planned. He told Autocar India, "There's a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we'll make it for sure."

The BIC was currently awaiting homologation from the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), as it was initially constructed for F1 racing. According to Sandill, the governing body has already finished its initial reconnaissance, and work on the track is being done in response to suggestions from the FIM.

“The FIM uses simulation software to do many runs on the track and then comes up with the final designs. So that has already been done,” he explains. “The inspection will probably be done early September.”

Aside from some track resurfacing and work on the run-off areas, the overall layout of the circuit will remain more or less the same. But fans can expect some changes; Turn 13, for example, will be turned into a double apex corner to reduce the speed of the bikes.

Unlike F1, where drivers are cocooned in a safety structure, the risk of injury is far higher in two-wheeler racing. Keeping that in mind, certain section of fencing are being moved further back to create room for more run-off areas and gravel sections. The barriers are also being upgraded to the latest international spec.

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Ticket Prices:

Making a racing event accessible is another key to its success, especially in a nation like India where it is still less popular than, say, cricket. With ticket prices ranging from Rs 2,500 to 40,000, Fairstreet Sports has made an effort to achieve this. These tickets are valid for all three days of track action, including Moto2 and Moto3.

Early bird tickets, which were available for a short time only, even began at Rs 800. For reference, F1 tickets at the location in 2013 ranged from Rs 2,000 to Rs 21,000.

The total capacity is a little over 1,00,000 and Sandill says early response has been positive. “BookMyShow said they don’t see this kind of response even with the IPL three months before the event. We’re hoping as we go closer to the date, it should be a sellout.”

Rs 2,500  

Picnic Stand North: Lawn free seating

Views of turns 1, 2, and 3.

Picnic Stand South/West: Lawn free seating

Located between turns 10, 11 and 12.

Natural Stand South: Lawn free seating

Located between turns 7 and 8, this area offers a view of all the action at turns 6, 7, and 8. There’s also limited views of the parallel turn 11.

Rs 6,000

Star Stand 1 East: Uncovered stand

Those sitting here will be able to witness the riders braking hard as they come from the long straight and dive into turn 4.

Star Stand 3 East: Uncovered stand

You can see the riders come out from turn 4 and accelerate through the straight into turn 5.

Classic Stand 2 East: Uncovered stand

This stand provides a prime location to witness the riders showcasing their agility. You can catch the action unfold at turn 5 and the short straight towards turn 6.

Classic Stand 1 West: Uncovered Stand

These seats cover the majority of the track view, with a good spot to catch all the action between Turns 12 and 13.

Rs 8,000

Star Stand 2 East: Uncovered stand.

This gives a direct view of the longest straight on the track.

Classic Stand 2 West: Uncovered stand.

Positioned between turns 13 and 14.

Rs 10,000

Premium Stand South: Covered stand

You can soak in the views of the long and challenging curve at Turns 9 and 10.

Rs 12,000

Classic Stand North: Uncovered stand

This stand offers good views of turn 3 and the longest straight. It’s one of the prime sports to witness thrilling overtaking and high-speed battles between the riders.

Rs 15,000

Premium Stand North: Covered stand.  

For those who don’t want to shell out extra on the main grandstand, this is a pretty good vantage point to witness the start of the race, see the riders cross the finish line, and catch all the action at turn 1.

Rs 20,000-30,000

Main Grandstand: Covered stand

Prime spot for all those who want to witness the thrilling start and finish of the race up close.

Rs 40,000

Platinum Stand: AC box

These seats are also parallel to the main start/finish straight, but with the added convenience of air conditioning. Food and beverage is also included with these tickets.

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